Most archives and libraries collect records about local residents (biographies, family histories, and local histories) and about nearby places (maps, gazetteers, and place-finding aids). They often compile reference helps and special indexes to important local sources. In many communities they serve as a meeting place for local historical and genealogical societies, and may be able to provide referrals to people who are willing to look up information in local records. Before you visit an archive or a library, contact them and ask for information on their collection, hours, services, and fees.

When one of these institutions is referred to elsewhere in this outline, return to this section for the address.

The Family History Library has copies of many of the records found in archives and libraries, but most repositories will have additional sources.

Many archives and libraries have helpful sources for locating information about Alabama, such as maps, gazetteers, and other place-finding aids. They frequently have collections of previous research, such as family and local histories and biographies. Many have record-finding aids, such as guides to their own collections or inventories of records housed elsewhere in the state. Archives and libraries near state boundaries usually collect records relating to the adjacent states.

The following archives, libraries, and societies have collections or services helpful to African American genealogical researchers:

Family History Library35 North West Temple StreetRoom 344Salt Lake City, UT 84150-3400[Note: Room 344 is a mail room only, not a room patrons can visit.]Local Telephone: 801-240-2331Toll Free: 1-800-346-6044 (Inside United States and Canada)Toll Free: 1-801-240-1000 (Outside United States and Canada)Internet: http://www.familysearch.org

The Library of CongressThe African-American Mosaic: A Library of Congress Resource Guide for the Study of Black History and Culture101 Independence Avenue SEWashington, D.C. 20540Telephone: 202-707-5000Internet: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/african/intro.html

The following resources can be helpful as you begin your research:

Black Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree, Tony Burroughs, 1001. (FHL book 973 D27bt.)

Finding a Place Called Home: An African-American Guide to Genealogy and Historical Identity, Dee Parmer Woodtor, 1999. (FHL book 973 F2wd.)